Montenegro and Kosovo with the Great Balkans Tour: Special Semester with Turkish Airlines

We meet at Istanbul airport 4 hours before our flight. We depart for Belgrade at 08:10 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1081. After approximately one and a half hours of comfortable travel, we will arrive at 08:00. Belgrade, one of the important cultural and strategic centers of the Balkans throughout history, draws attention with its lively atmosphere and historical structures today. In this impressive city, we will have the chance to discover the meeting point of Ottoman and European cultures. After arriving in Belgrade, a panoramic tour will begin to explore the beauties of the city. Here, you can feel the historical texture and examine the structure that brings together Belgrade's past and present. Then, we go to the point where the Sava River intersects with the Danube River. In this unique view, it will be quite enjoyable to explore this region, which has been the center of many conquests and victories throughout history. While exploring this ancient city, where Fatih Sultan Mehmed was wounded but the conquest was granted to Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, you will encounter the Belgrade Fortress, which was the supply center of the Ottoman navy. While following the traces of history in this fortress, we will see important places such as Kale Square and Taş Meydan. During the tour, we will also visit the Tomb of Şehit Ali Pasha, one of the important figures of the Ottoman period. During these visits, you will delve into Belgrade's rich history and learn about the cultural heritage left from the Ottoman period. At the end of our tour, we leave behind the history and vibrant atmosphere of the city and proceed to our hotel. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.

After breakfast, we head towards the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo. Upon arrival, we will explore Sarajevo, which has long been the cultural center of the Balkans and is known as the place where World War I broke out with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Serbs in 1914. Although it suffered great damage due to the devastating conflicts between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks during the war in 1992, Sarajevo has managed to largely preserve its beauty. During our panoramic city tour, we will see the famous Baščaršija, the historical Ottoman inn Morica Han, the Catholic Cathedral reflecting the city's religious diversity, the Synagogue, the Hüsrev Bey and Ferhadiye Mosques, the Latin Bridge where the assassination of Franz Ferdinand took place in 1914, the Old Library, and the Western-style buildings constructed during the 40 years of Austro-Hungarian rule. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.

Belgrade - Sarajevo: 294 km               

After breakfast, we depart from Sarajevo. Our first stop is Mostar, known for its historical and cultural riches. Here, we will see the Mostar Bridge, built in 1557 by Architect Hayreddin, which is one of the important examples of Ottoman architecture. This bridge was destroyed in 1992 but was rebuilt in 2004 with the contributions of the Republic of Turkey. After exploring the enchanting atmosphere of Mostar, we will visit the Koski Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Then we proceed to Blagaj. Blagaj is the birthplace of the Buna River, the strongest water source in Europe. After a short free time here, we move on to Počitelj. By visiting Počitelj, known as the Turkish Village, which preserves its historical texture, we will see the works built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. Finally, we head to Medugorje. Medugorje is a peaceful place famous for religious visitors. After arriving at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.

Mostar Tour INCLUDED! | Blagaj Tour INCLUDED! | Počitelj Tour INCLUDED!   

Sarajevo - Mostar: 130 km | Mostar - Blagaj: 12 km | Blagaj - Počitelj: 30 km | Počitelj - Medugorje: 20 km

Total distance to be covered: 192 km          

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards the impressive Kotor. During our journey, you will enjoy magnificent views. Upon arrival in Kotor, in this medieval town famous for the fjords of the Balkans, we will feel the historical atmosphere of the narrow streets and the old town during our walking tour, and you will discover the heart of Kotor. With its unique architecture and sea view, this small town will take you on a journey through time. Next, our stop is Budva, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans! After our panoramic city tour, we move to Sv. Stefan, famous for its rich history and dazzling views. We will enjoy the magnificent view of this islet from above. This area, which looks like a postcard from every corner, is an ideal spot for photography. After all these discoveries, we proceed to the beautiful city of Shkodra in Albania. After dinner at our hotel, we retreat to our rooms to rest. Overnight at our hotel.

Kotor Tour INCLUDED! | Budva Tour INCLUDED!      

Medugorje - Kotor: 191 km | Kotor - Budva: 22 km | Budva - Sv. Stefan: 15 km | Sv. Stefan - Shkodra: 85 km

Total distance to be covered: 313 km

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. In this beautiful city, rich in history and culture, an impressive tour awaits us to explore Tirana, which is considered the center of Bektashism in Europe. Upon our arrival in Tirana, we visit the Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the most important symbols of the city, which began construction in 1789 and was completed in 1923. We take a short break at Skanderbeg Square, where we see the statue of Skanderbeg proudly rising in the middle of the square. The Clock Tower, built by Ethem Bey in 1821, is also one of the highlights of our tour. During this tour, the modern face of Tirana and its historical past will come together to create unforgettable memories. After some free time, we head towards Ohrid. Breathtaking views will accompany us along the way. Upon arrival in Ohrid, we will conduct a tour introducing the historical city of Ohrid, which was once an important base of the Ottomans in the Balkans. Among the places we will see during our tour are: the monument of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Byzantine monks believed to have developed the Cyrillic alphabet in the 9th century, and the Church of St. Sophia. We will also have the opportunity to stroll around the heart of the city, the Plane Tree Square, and visit the Turkish Bazaar from the old Ottoman period. Here, you can visit the Halveti Tekke and closely feel the cultural texture of the city. Afterward, by exploring the New Bazaar and Ohrid Market, you will witness the daily life of the local people. Finally, Ohrid's famous lake and its enchanting view will accompany our tour. After our tour, we have free time and transfer to our hotel. Overnight and dinner at our hotel. After dinner, you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Ohrid in the silence of the night, take a short walk by the lake, or retreat to your rooms to rest.

Tirana Tour INCLUDED!

Shkodra – Tirana: 100 km | Tirana – Ohrid: 135 km 

Total distance to be covered: 235 km 

After breakfast, we set off for our tour of Resne and Bitola, famous for their magnificent nature and historical riches. Our first stop is Resne, where we see the Palace of Resneli Niyazi Bey, an important figure who made a mark on Balkan history, panoramically. Resne offers a captivating atmosphere with both its nature and Ottoman traces. After a short break here, we head towards Bitola, which was once one of the most important cultural and trade centers of the Ottomans. Upon our arrival in Bitola, we will visit the Military High School, where the great leader Atatürk studied, and the Atatürk Museum from the outside. In this magical city, we will also explore historical Ottoman artifacts such as the Turkish Bazaar, Bedesten, Ishak Pasha Mosque, and New Mosque. While feeling the historical texture of Bitola, you will have the chance to take a pleasant walk in the nostalgic streets of the city. After our visit, we head towards Skopje, accompanied by lush green mountains. Breathtaking views of Macedonia will accompany us along the way. Upon our arrival in Skopje, our first stop is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the city, built in 1492. Then we visit the Murat Pasha Mosque, built in the 15th century. This mosque is particularly noteworthy for its decorations and architecture from the Ottoman period. During our tour, we will see Kapan Han and Sulu Han, located in the heart of Skopje. These structures, beautiful examples of Ottoman period inns, were once important centers where merchants stayed and traded. Later, we visit the Stone Bridge, which has become a symbol of Skopje. This bridge was built in the 15th century and connects both sides of the Vardar River. Walking from the Stone Bridge, we continue our tour by seeing the Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods along the banks of the Vardar River. During our riverside walk, we pass through Macedonia Square. This square is the largest and most central point of Skopje, surrounded by modern buildings. Here, we will encounter the statue of Alexander the Great and other monuments. Then, we see the Ottoman Bridge from the 15th century from the outside and visit the Davut Pasha Bath to feel the grandeur of the Ottoman period once again. We continue to explore the city by walking towards Skopje's Turkish Bazaar. Before reaching the bazaar, we see the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century, which is one of the symbolic structures of Skopje. Here, we will visit the Sultan Murat Mosque and Isa Bey Mosque, which are among the early Ottoman period mosques. The mosques are an important part of the city's Islamic heritage and stand out with their architecture. Finally, we give free time in the Turkish Bazaar. In this bazaar, you can find many products from traditional handicrafts to souvenirs. After spending a pleasant time in the bazaar, we transfer to Restaurant Gardenia for the Balkan Night. Afterward, we are transferred to our hotel and then retreat to our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.

Dinner: An unforgettable dinner awaits you accompanied by traditional Balkan music and local dance performances. You will have the opportunity to explore the entertaining and cultural side of Skopje during this special Balkan night, where you will be hosted at Restaurant Gardenia, one of the most distinguished venues in the region. With live performances presented by our artists, all of whom are conservatory students and teachers, this night will be transformed into an authentic experience, without playback. We will be happy to host you at our own Restaurant Gardenia Skopje. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje. 

Resne Tour INCLUDED! | Bitola Tour INCLUDED! | Balkan Night INCLUDED!

Ohrid – Resne: 34 km | Resne – Bitola: 31 km | Bitola – Skopje: 70 km

Total distance to be covered: 134 km

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. After our journey, upon arrival in Pristina, we begin our panoramic city tour, where we will explore both the modern and historical aspects of Kosovo. During our tour, we will also visit many valuable structures from the Ottoman period. We will see the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and the 18th-century Yaşar Pasha Mosque. During this trip through the city's historical heritage, we will have the opportunity to visit the Tomb of Sultan Murad Hüdavendigâr, who was killed in the Kosovo Plain as a result of the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, commemorating this important historical event and its place in Ottoman history. After our tour in Pristina, we move to Prizren, known as the cultural capital of Kosovo. Upon arrival, we begin to explore the narrow streets of Prizren, filled with shop signs in Turkish and architecture reminiscent of an Anatolian Ottoman city. In the city, we will visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, one of the most important structures of Ottoman architecture. Other important Ottoman artifacts to be seen include the Halveti Tekke, Bayraklı Mosque, and Mehmet Pasha Bath. After spending free time in Prizren, we begin our journey back to Skopje in the evening. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel and after dinner, we retreat to our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Skopje.

Pristina Tour INCLUDED! | Prizren Tour INCLUDED!

Skopje – Pristina: 90 km | Pristina – Prizren: 85 km | Prizren – Skopje: 165 km  

Total distance to be covered: 340 km

After breakfast, we leave our hotel. Free time until the time determined by our guide. After free time, we head to Skopje airport. After arriving at the airport and completing the boarding procedures, we will fly to Istanbul Airport at 20:50 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1006. After a comfortable flight, we will arrive in Istanbul at 00:20, marking the end of our tour. We bid farewell to you, hoping to see you again on your next trip. 

*Balkan Special Cancellation Assurance Package: 50 Euro*

(With the cancellation assurance package application, we offer our guests the right to cancel their reservations without penalty under any circumstances. With this application, it is possible to cancel your reservation up to 9 days before the tour departure date. In case of cancellation, the entire tour fee will be refunded, while the cancellation assurance package fee and any additional service fees (Visa, insurance, etc.) will not be refunded.)

**The specified cancellation assurance package is not valid for group reservations.**

**There are limited quotas for each tour.** 

IMPORTANT NOTE

It is not possible to continue the rest of the tour without participating in the Montenegro stage, to wait by separating from the group during this stage, or to rejoin the group later. Guests who do not meet the entry requirements for Montenegro cannot participate in this tour.

The visa fee and any visa application/service fees are not included in the tour price.